For many newcomers, the ability to become a permanent resident is one of the most attractive aspects of moving to the country. The PR status offers individuals the ability to reside in Canada along with studying & working as they like. Well, there are a lot of benefits of being a Canadian permanent resident. 

The benefits include easy access to all kinds of education, employment, & support opportunities. While these aren’t the sole reasons, they can be hugely beneficial to immigrants/ newcomers to begin a new life in the country. 

Huge Reduction In Education Cost 

One of the significant benefits of being a Canadian permanent resident is the reduction in education costs. As a PR, newcomers can access higher education at the same rate as Canadian citizens. In comparing domestic & international student fees, this can yield huge reductions in tuition at both graduate & undergraduate levels. 

Moreover, along with higher fee reductions, new PRs can access more financial aid alternatives, like federal/ provincial loans, scholarships, bursaries, etc. 

Access To Wider Range Of Settlement Service 

Another key advantage that new PRs will have is far wider access to settlement services than temporary residents. 

Settlement services are funded at the federal as well as provincial levels. Moreover, it covers a huge range of services, like language learning, employment help, legal aid, well-being assistance, community events, etc. IRCC spends around CAD 2 billion on funding these services annually – with a separate grant given to Quebec. 

Notably, even Canadian citizens are not eligible to receive these services, with most of them restricted to PRs & some temporary residents. 

Visa-Free Travel   

Another positive aspect of obtaining a PR status is new travel freedoms designated to those with valid PR cards. Applicants holding this document can now obtain visa-free travel to the following nations: 

  • All Dutch Caribbean territories
  • Anguilla
  • Bahamas
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Georgia
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Kosovo
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Peru (Nationals of China or India only)
  • Qatar
  • Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  • Singapore (Nationals of China or India only)
  • Sint Maarten
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands

Note: All the above nations have added certain entry & visit requirements. For the highest degree of accuracy & to ensure that there are no extra travel complications, it is suggested that PRs check these individual country websites at the time of travel in order to ensure that they meet all the necessary criteria.